Tubular volatizing device

ABSTRACT

A volatizer is provided including a multifunction cap secured over the open end of a body or other device, the chamber or other part of the device holding an amount of material to be extracted by selective volatization therein and including a thermo-indicator thereon or therein capable of deforming, actuating or otherwise indicating upon heating to a preselected temperature to provide an indication of the proper temperature for volatilization and extraction of the selected and or target compound from the material within the device. Also provided is a method of volatizing a substance.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/142,351 filed on Dec. 27, 2013, entitled “Tubular VolatizingDevice,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a volatizing extractiondevice, and more specifically to a volatizing device with an activationindicator(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many devices designed to selectively vaporize or volatilizeselected compounds from material placed within the device. In theseprevious devices, the vaporization chamber in which the material to bevaporized is connected, positioned and or secured to a tube tofacilitate the evacuation of the volatilized compounds from the sample.The chamber is heated by applying heat from a flame or an electricelement directly to the chamber. When the desired temperature is reachedthe target compounds from the sample within the chamber are vaporized.Once the target compounds are apparently vaporized, suction applied tothe tube draws the vaporized extract from the material out of thechamber and into the tube.

Some of the drawbacks of these prior art devices include: (1) thechallenge to determine when the sample material contained within thechamber has achieved volatilizing temperature; (2) whether heat is overapplied to the chamber and the material, resulting in the creation orrelease of undesired compounds or potentially burning the samplematerial creating combustion byproducts in addition to the release ofthese undesired compounds, along with; (3) the length of time it takesto heat the device and or material to reach volatizing temperature; and(4) there commonly is an uncontrolled release of vapor, potentiallycontaining target compounds prior to extraction of target compounds; (5)the size, mass and cost of devices with any type of control. Inaddition, prior art vaporization devices do not have multifunction caps.Prior art devices that do not contain their own heat source have nomeans of regulating temperature. Further, prior art vaporization devicesdesigned with thermostats also have a built in heat source controlled bythe thermostat. As a result, these prior art devices are more complex,with significant additional cost and manufacturing complexity as well asincreased size and weight added to the device, therefore making theprior art devices more expensive to produce and more prone to failure.

As a result it is desirable to develop a device capable of overcomingthese deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY

To that end, according to one aspect of the present disclosure avolatizing device is provided in which the device decreases thepreparation and warm up time necessary to volatize the desired compoundsfrom the material and additionally decreases the amount of materialnecessary to obtain the desired quantity of extract from the devicebecause the cap keeps the vapor contained there is only a minute amountof vapor released unless suction is applied. In addition, the deviceprovides a means for an accurate indication when the heat applied to thedevice reaches the proper level for the volatization of the desiredcompounds from material held within the device. The device of thepresent disclosure employs a heat source controlled by the user and anindicating mechanism with one or more of the following functionsconveying tactile and audible thermo indications by utilizing a snapdisk or other thermal indicator. The thermo-indicator is constructed ofa material or in a manner enabling the indicator to provide anindication to the user of the volatizing device that the temperaturewithin the device has reached a level sufficient to volatize theselected compound from the material contained within the device.Preferably, but not in every event or usage of the device or componentsthereof, the desired compound is volatized from the material withoutcombusting the material to avoid the extraction of undesired compoundsfrom the material, such as by limiting the temperature to that at whichthe desired compounds are volatized and extracted, but below thetemperature at which the material undergoes combustion.

The tactile nature of the indicator in the device of the presentdisclosure allows for the conveyance of activation temperature inenvironments where audible and or visual only indicators would be lesseffective or desirable. A slightly more complex design of the new devicecould incorporate a thermistor, or other solid state or mechanicalindicator such as a magnet assembly, thermocouple, or thermal pile whichwill create a visual, audible, vibrational, mechanical, electrical,tactile or other signal to indicate proper temperature. The tactile,vibrational or kinesthetic nature of the described indicator allows foraccurate use in loud, dark, bright or other environments where deviceswith visual or audible only indicators would be undesirable or difficultto be conveyed by the device or detected by the user. In otherembodiments, the cap can function independent of the body as well asfunctioning without the thermal indicator and or other heat transferencerelated components, but to a lesser degree of accuracy and higherpropensity of over and or under extraction including a more likelyinitiation of combustion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, theabove-described device can utilize a multitude of different heat sourcesof widely varying intensities and sources accurately and easily toachieve the same resultant extraction. Other examples of potential heatsources include but are not limited to solar radiation, inductionheating, exothermic chemical reactions, friction, electricity, gascompression, flames, combustion, infrared radiation, and thermalconduction from a hot surface, fluid or gas. In order to enable the heatapplied to the device from the various heat sources to be effectivelytransferred to the material held within the device in a controlledmanner, there are several routes of transfer incorporated within thestructure of the device of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofvolatizing a substance with a volatizing device is disclosed.

Numerous other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be made apparent from the following detailed descriptiontogether with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated ofpracticing the present disclosure.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of one embodiment of a volatizer constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the cap for the deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an extractor used with the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the cap of FIG.7;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of a cover usedwith the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of an indicatorutilized with the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an indicatorutilized with the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a tube usedwith the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the tube ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of the tube ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a diffuser disc usedwith the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the disc of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view along line 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an indicator utilized with the cap ofFIG. 24; and

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the device ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts throughout the several views, oneembodiment of a volatizer constructed according to the presentdisclosure is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The volatizer 10includes a body or tube 11 that is formed of any suitable material, suchas glass, ceramic, metal or composite, inorganic composite, amongothers, and is generally tubular but not necessarily round in shape.Shapes may be but are not limited to triangular, square or rectangular.In one embodiment, the body 11 is formed of glass in order to enable thebody 11 to retain and diffuse heat from the heat source 200, such as alighter or flame, applied to the body 11 and the cap 15 at the heatring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33. The heat ring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33, isa marking, and or location identified as the best area to apply heat tofacilitate the best transfer of heat form the heat source 200 to thechamber 14 and the material 24. There may be a protrusion of anotherdevice or object as the heat ring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33. This deviceor object functions as a thermal conduit(s) or heat pipe(s) 34 toaccelerate and improve heat flow. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and15-20, the body 11 can additionally be formed with design elements suchas an oval or non-round tube, bent tube, and/or can include tubeappendages or protrusions 23 or other grip enhancing ribs or features 25positioned on the exterior of the tube 11 to reduce the propensity toroll when placed on a flat surface, to improve grip on the body 11 or toadd visual interest and/or improve aesthetics of the volatizer 10without affecting the ability of the volatizer 10 to provide the desiredfunction. The body 11, cap 15, or tip 13 may also have hole(s) and orperforations (not shown) with or without spring loaded or non-springvalve mechanisms (not shown) to function as flow rate regulators. Theseopenings would allow air to bypass or flow around the chamber 14 andindicator 28. These openings serve several functions including thedilution of the extract from the chamber 14 and material as well asallowing for regulated vacuum/suction and or pressure on the chamber 14and the cap 15. This arrangement allows for the device to self regulatethe flow rate of air through the cap 15, chamber 14 and material 24 fora more consistent extraction at different levels of suction. While theillustrated embodiment shows the body 11 having a consistent diameteralong its entire length, in other embodiments the volatizer body 11 mayhave differently sized, shaped and configured entry ports 16 and exitports 12.

Additionally, the tube 11 can be formed or fabricated with serrations 17(FIGS. 19 and 20) on the end of the tube 11 including the entry port 16around the periphery of the entry port 16 or any portion thereof thatcan expedite processing, insertion and compaction of material 24 beingprepared for volatizing. The serrations facilitate the processing of thematerial by cutting and grinding the material as the body 11 is twistedand pushed through a volume of the material. This feature significantlyreduces the amount of preparation required before use, allowing mostplant based as well as many other synthetic materials to be processedand inserted into the device quickly. As best shown in FIG. 19, thevolatizer 10 may also include a suction tip 13 constructed of a varietyof suitable materials such as silicone, metal, composites, ceramic,wood, glass or other polymers or thermoplastics, as desired. The tip 13is positioned on the outlet or suction end, or exit port 12, of the tube11 to facilitate the ability of a user to inhale or otherwise extractthe volatized vapor components through the tube 11. The tip 13 can haveany desired shape and can be permanently or removably secured to theoutlet end 12 of the tube 11 in any suitable manner. or formed in placeas an integral component of the body 11. The tip 13 may also incorporatea type of valve to further reduce the loss of vapor and or extract priorto suction being applied.

Opposite the tip 13, the volatizer 10 includes a cap 15, best shown inFIGS. 1-10. The cap 15 can be constructed in a variety of differentmethods from any number of suitable materials, such as metals, includingsuitable magnetic and appropriate non-magnetic alloys optimized forinduction heating or thermally stable composite and or non metalliccomponents with the necessary heat resistance and transfer properties tooperate the volatizer 10. These materials can be formed into the desiredshape for the cap 15 in any suitable manner or method, including deepdrawing to produce a monolithic construction with a variable wallthickness and geometry or an assembly constructed from severalfabricated components. It is also possible to produce the cap 15 or itscomponents by growing the components through a method of deposition suchas electroless deposition or chemical vapor deposition or by metalspinning or a combination of these described techniques. As best shownin FIG. 9, in one embodiment the cap 15 is formed with a collar 20having a body 100 including a pair of opposed edges 102 each having aninwardly extending flange 104 positioned along the entire or at least aportion of the length thereof. The flanges 104 are engaged with a sleeveor drive 106 formed of a suitable material and having a central portion108 and a pair of opposed locking tabs 110 on each side of the centralportion 108. The flanges 104 are urged or moved towards one another to aposition where the flanges 104 can be slid into the channel 112 definedbetween the locking tabs 110 and the central portion 108 to hold theflanges 104 in the closed configuration to form the collar 20 of the cap15.

In embodiments where the cap 15 is not formed as a single piece ofmaterial, the cap 15 is closed at one end by a cover 22. The cover 22can be formed as desired, and in the illustrated embodiments is shown ashaving a convex shape (FIGS. 7, 8 and 10) or a concave shape (FIGS.11-12), but may also be flat. All parts and assemblies of the cap 15,body 11 can be textured, engraved, marked, embossed or otherwisemodified in a manner to improve strength, heat retention, transferenceor simply aesthetics.

The cap 15 also includes an indicator 28 best shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 8, 13and 14, that is formed either entirely or partially of a material thatdeform(s) or changes in some manner when heated to a predeterminedtemperature, such as a thermostat material including but not limited toa bimetal material. The indicator 28 is held within the cap 15 bysecuring the indicator 28 within the cap 15 or another location on or inthe device 10, in any suitable manner, such as by welding or adheringthe periphery or portions thereof of the indicator 28 in engagement witha groove or rib 111 formed on the interior surface of the cap 15 or bymechanically or frictionally fixing the periphery or portions thereof ofthe indicator 28 to the cap 15 or the cover 22, such as by engaging aninwardly extending retention rib 111 (FIG. 7) or between the cap and thecover 22. The use of a spring 35 can assist to further enhance orimprove tactile feedback and or heat transfer to the indicator. Theindicator 28 may also be constructed from a magnetic assembly, whichupon reaching a set point temperature, as determined by the constructionof the indicator 28, allows an engagement or disengagement of theindicator 28 with the cover 22 and/or cap 15 or other part of the device10 due to the reduced magnetic strength of the heated magnet or incombination with a thermostat/bimetal spring or element. Additionally,the indicator 28 can be formed to be circular in shape, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, to conform to the shape of the cap 15, but can have anysuitable shape including but not limited to ovals, triangles, diamonds,stars, octagons, pentagons, hexagons and other polygons as well assquare, rectangular or other parallelograms or other configuration(s).In particular, the indicator 28 can be formed to have apertures 109therein (FIGS. 14 and 25) or with a shape different than the internalshape of the collar 20, such as oblong, square or polygonal (FIG. 13),among others, and when the collar 20 is generally circular incross-section. In this configuration, the spaces provided by thedifferences in the shapes of the indicator 28 and the collar 20 enableair to flow past the indicator 28. These embodiments also minimizecontact of the indicator 28 with the cover 22 to decrease heat loss/gainand increase the accuracy of the activation of the indicator 28 relativeto the selected internal temperature of the chamber 14.

In addition, the cover 22 can be formed at the outer end of the cap 15,with the thermo-indicator 28 spaced inwardly from the cover 22 along thecollar 20. The cap 15 can also be formed from a single piece by deepdraw, electro-deposition, or another means of forming athree-dimensional object from the material. The indicator 28, as bestshown in FIG. 3, is either a smooth edged disc or one formed with anumber of apertures 30 located at various locations around the indicator28 in order to enable air flow around and or through the indicator 28. Acentral hole in the indicator 28 (FIGS. 24, 25) may also be utilized forthe transit of a thermal conduit or heat pipe 34 as well as a means ofretaining the indicator 28 in the correct position and or orientation onor around the conduit, tube and or heat pipe. Further, when theindicator 28 is spaced inwardly from the cover 22, the space between theindicator 28 and the cover 22 can be selected to enable the indicator 28to contact the cover 22 and or the body 11 and or heat pipe 34 or anyother part of the device when the activation temperature of theindicator 28 has been reached. In this manner, the indicator 28 isobscured by the cover 22, or other part of the device, the indicator 28can provide an enhanced tactile indication upon reaching the selectedtemperature as a result of the contact created by actuation and contactof the indicator 28 with the cover 22 and or body 11 or other part ofthe device. The indicator 28 can also be retained in a manner, whichallows for some freedom of movement. Another embodiment of the device 10or the cap 15 may be constructed without the indicator 28, but retainsome of the other features for heat exchange and or extraction.

The indicator 28 is configured to function as a thermo-indicator byaudibly actuating or flexing itself or another mechanism or means ofcreating a tactile indication when heat applied to the cap 15 at or nearthe heat ring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33 through the body 11 causes theindicator 28 to reach a certain and specific predetermined temperaturerange determined by the material characteristics of the targetcompound(s) 19. The temperature of actuation can be a broad or verynarrow range depending again on the target compounds 19. The temperaturerange in which the indicator 28 flexes and or indicates signaling it(the indicator 28) as well as the surrounding elements, cap 15, chamber14, and material 24, has been heated to within the specified temperaturerange is set based on the composition of the indicator and/or the shape,thickness and or inherent stress in the indicator 28 present as a resultof the fabrication of the indicator to be approximate to the temperatureat which the desired compound 19 contained in the material 24 disposedwithin the chamber 14 is volatized from the material 24. The temperaturerange at which the indicator 28 triggers, flexes, deforms, or otherwiseindicates is anticipated to be within a nominal range identified to beappropriate for the effective extraction of the target compound(s) 19 inorder to enable the individual utilizing the volatizer 10 to selectivelyvolatize the selected compound(s) or component(s) 19 which volatize orvaporize from the material 24 at a determined temperature range withoutalso volatizing other compounds that are volatized at temperatureshigher than are required for the selected compound.

Upon reaching the predetermined temperature, the flexing, deformation oractuation of the thermo-indicator 28 provides tactile, audible and orvisual signals of the cap 15, chamber 14, material 24 and indicator 28being heated to the desired temperature. A visual indication provided bythe indicator 28 can be enhanced by the use of transparent ortranslucent materials in the portions of the body 11 having indicia (notshown) thereon of the temperature enabling visual orientation with theindicator 28 in the positions of the indicator 28 within and outside ofthe predetermined temperature range. In one embodiment, the flexing, oractuation of the indicator 28 can contact and additionally bow or deformthe cover 22 outwardly from a flat or inwardly bowing position,providing the visual indication, while making a popping sound/vibrationeither by itself or in conjunction with the optional contact with thecover 22 and or body 11 to provide the audible and tactile indication.The cap 15 and or tube 11 may be constructed with elements such as heatring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33, which serves as a means of indicating tothe user where to apply the heat source as well as placement of a heattransference device, such as heat pipe(s) 34. Heat pipe(s) 34 can beincorporated in a variety of methods and manners to the device 10including the cap 15 and the body 11 to facilitate rapid transference ofheat from the heat source into the chamber 14 and the material 24. Theheat pipe 34 promotes the transfer of heat from the heat source to thechamber via an evacuated tube containing an appropriate phase changefluid suitable for the temperature range necessary for the effectiveextraction of the target compounds 19 from the material 24. Highlyconductive coatings, materials or elements such as synthetic graphite orthe heat pipe 34 incorporated in the cap 15 or the tube 11 or both mayalso be used to facilitate the conduction and distribution of heat moreuniformly from the heat source to the entire chamber 14 and the material24 within the chamber 14. Another embodiment of FIG. 16 may place thechamber 14, the diffuser disc 26, the indicator 28 and any othercomponent(s) of the device 10 in a different position to achieve theextraction such as placing the chamber 14 and the material 24 at thesuction end 12, and reversing the flow through the diffuser disc 26.

The cap 15 is formed to be complementary in shape to the volatizer body11, may include a collar 20 that is positioned around the body 11 withan inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the body 11to define a space 21 therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, and a lengthsufficient to extend over the chamber 14 defined within the body 11. Thecollar 20 can be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal, in amanner to effectively and securely engage the cap 15 with the body 11.In the illustrated embodiment, when the cap 15 is positioned over theentry port 16 of the tube 11, to hold the cap 15 securely on the tube 11such that the cap 15 does not inadvertently slide off of the tube 11,the collar 20 also includes one or more spacers 114 on the interiorsurface 116 opposite the cover 22, or utilizes another means of engagingthe body such as an embossed texture. The texture which could be ageometric pattern or some sort of text, number, or other design, wouldfunction as a type of spring to allow not only a small amount of stretchover the body 11, but the texture would also allow a secure engagementonto a slightly smaller diameter tube. The spacers 114 and or theembossing enable the cap 15 to engage the exterior of the tube 11 tohold the cap 15 in the proper position on the tube 11, while alsoenabling airflow past the spacers 114 and into the space 21 between thecap 15 and the tube 11. The cap 15 can also optionally include anextractor device 29 protruding from the collar 20 or another part of thecap 15, either as an integrated element, or one added to the cap afterthe cap is fabricated, such as a heat pipe or pipes 34 that is or are inthe illustrated embodiment slightly shorter in length than the depth ofthe chamber 14 from the chamber end 16 to the diffuser 26. The heatpipe(s) can be utilized in a variety of configurations including but notlimited to bent, twisted, tapered, or straight, and may pass through theindicator 28 (FIG. 25) in one or more embodiments or be bent around thecap 14 and or indicator. When the cap 15 is removed from the tube 11,the extractor 29 can be inserted within the chamber 14 to facilitate theremoval of the material 24 depleted of volatized target compound(s) 19from within the chamber 14 without contacting and damaging the diffuserdisc 26. The heat pipe(s) 34 may also function as a type of combinationheat transfer device and extractor. These features may also playintegral roles in the heat transfer and flow rate regulation of thedevice 10. Another embodiment of the volatizer 10 (FIG. 26) is amodified version of the cap 15 adapted for use with or without the body11 to also function when placed, inserted and or affixed onto or over acigarette or other product, including, but not limited to products anddevices containing material traditionally extracted via combustion ofthe material intended for extraction or other means of extraction. Thecap 15 in this embodiment functions in the same manner as described withor without one or more features and or elements such as a phase changeheat pipe(s), hot air pipes, tubes or conduits or other type of thermalconduit to facilitate heat transfer from the heat source 200 to thematerial 24 for extraction of the target compounds 19, while alsofunctioning as a means of preventing the initiation of combustion. Thecap 15 in this configuration may utilize one or more of the indicators28 also described, and may also be produced and used without anindicator 28.

Opposite the spacers 114, when the cap 15 is positioned on the tube 11,as best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the indicator 28 abuts the chamber end 16 ofthe tube 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber end 16 includesa chamfer or taper 118 to minimize the contact between the end 16 andthe indicator 28, allowing the indicator 28 to flex and/or deform freelywithout much interference from the end 16 while also allowing air flowbetween the indicator 28 and the end 16. Additionally, contact from theactivation of the indicator 28 with the end 16 or any other part of thedevice can be used to produce and or enhance the tactile and audibleindication resulting from the actuation of the indicator 28 against theend 16. The chamber end 16 can also have other suitable shapes, such asrounded on the interior and/or exterior surface, or tapered on theinterior or interior and exterior surfaces.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 16 and 21-23, when the cap 15 is placed on thetube 11 over the chamber end 16, the indicator 28 forms the outer end ofthe chamber 14 within which the material 24 to be extracted byvolatizing and displacing the target compounds 19 is positioned. Theinner end of the chamber 14 positioned within the interior of the tube11 is formed by means of retaining and filtering the sample material 24such as an integral retainer/diffuser disc 26 comprised of anoncombustible material spaced inwardly from the end 16, but disposedwithin the body 11 in a position inside the cap 15 when the cap 15 is inplace over the entry or chamber end 16. In the illustrated embodiment,the disc 26 has a convex shape and is retained within the body 11 by agroove 27 formed in the body 11 and within which the disc 26 can bepositioned. This diffuser disc 26 includes a number of apertures 120formed therein that enable air flow through the apertures 120 from thechamber end 16 to the suction end 12 of the tube 11 and can bepositioned in a variety of different positions and distances from theend 16. The spacing and positioning of the diffuser disc 26 and itsholes, slots and their spacing and positioning may also play a role inthe regulation and distribution of heat and airflow. The hole and orslot configurations can range from very small laser cut slits or holes,to inscribing pictures, logos, geometric patterns, as well as embossing,etching engraving or other markings, etc. The diffuser disc 26 alsofunctions as a material stop or obstruction to retain the material 24 inthe chamber 14 during loading, use and extraction. The convex shape ofthe diffuser disc 26 permits a secure placement in the internal groove27 with an increasing force of engagement as pressure is applied fromthe insertion of material 24 into the chamber 14. In an alternativeembodiment, the disc 26 can be formed as a part of and integral to thebody 11.

Additionally, one or more portions of the cap 15 or the body 11 caninclude a coating material 202 or other type of heat transfer mediumthereon that enhances absorption, conduction and thermal transfer fromthe heat source to the indicator 28, device 10 and material 24, such asan absorptive oxide coating, or an ionic fluid heat dispersantincorporating low temperature phase change. The use of one or more typesof phase change materials in the design allows for the latent heat offusion or vaporization to accelerate heat transfer as well as to prolongthe time the chamber 14 and its material 24 are able to remain at theideal extraction temperature without further application of heat. Phasechange materials also assist in the temperature regulation of the deviceduring warm up, by changing phase and limiting temperature rise at phasechange, or after a given quantity of phase change material has beentransferred from the heat source 200 to the chamber 14. Matching thephase change temperature, quantity of phase change material and theindicator 28 actuation temperature can improve accuracy and usability.The body 11 of the volatizer 10 or the cap 15 can also be provided withthe capacity or a suitable structure (not shown) thereon that enables ahandle or attachment of a heat source 200 to be secured to the body 11to allow the user to more easily hold the body 11 and apply the heatwith one hand, such as magnetic, or other type retainers to allowattachment to the heat source 200.

In use, initially the material 24 is placed through the end 16 withinthe chamber 14 in the tube 11 against the disc 26. The cap 15 is thenplaced over the end 16 of the tube 11 in a position where the indicator28 engages the end 16, thereby positioning the collar 20 of the cap 15over the entire chamber 14 and material 24 held therein. A suitable heatsource 200 is then applied to the body 11 and the cap 15 at or near theheat ring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33. The heat supplied by the heat source200 is transferred through the cap 15 and body 11 and or heat pipe(s) 34to the indicator 28 and the material 24 to heat and volatize theselected components 19 of the material 24. The heat pipe(s) 34 mayprotrude from the body 11 or cover end 22 of the cap 15 in a mannerwhere the heat source 200 applies heat only to the heat pipe(s) 34.

When the predetermined temperature range is reached, the indicator 28flexes or deforms or otherwise indicates to provide the tactile(vibration), audible (snap), and/or visual (different position of theindicator in the tube) indication that the volatizing temperature forthe target compounds 19 for the material 24 has been reached. At thatpoint the heat source 200 is removed and the user can draw air throughthe suction port end 12/suction tip 13. The suction applied to the body11 via the end 12 functions to draw air between the collar 20 of the cap15 and the body 11 past the spacers 114 where it is warmed in the space21 defined between the cap 15 and the body 11 by the heat retained byboth the body 11 and the cap 15, which functions as an annular heatexchanger. The heated air subsequently flows from the space 21 into thechamber 14 between and/or through the indicator 28 and the end 16 of thebody 11 and through the material 24 disposed in the chamber 14. Theheated airflow correspondingly heats, volatizes and displaces thevolatized extract 25 and target compounds 19 through theretainer/diffuser disc 26, which also retains any unvolatized materialparticles 24 in the chamber 14. It is at least in part the heating ofthe air as it passes through the annular space 21 between the collar 20of the cap 15 and the tube 11 and the contact of the heated air with thematerial 24, which assists in heating the material 24 promoting thevolatilization as well as the displacement of the desired compound(s)19, 25. There is also some direct heating of the material 24 through thecap 15 and the body 11 heated through conduction. This arrangement alsoallows for a separation from any of the combustion by products or othercontamination produced by or near the heat source 200, as well assubstantially reducing the propensity of the heat source to initiatecombustion of the sample material 24.

If at any time during the use of one embodiment of the device 10 thetemperature of the indicator 28 drops below the predeterminedtemperature range, the indicator 28 can be designed to provide a furtherindication of this temperature drop by returning to the un-flexed,un-deformed or un-actuated original position, thereby giving a secondtactile, audible and/or visual indication of the temperature change. Theuser can then stop applying suction to the end 12, and re-apply the heatsource 200 to the cap 15 at the heat ring(s) 32 or hot spot(s) 33 untilthe indicator 28 provides still another indication that the desiredtemperature for the volatization of the target compounds) 19 for thematerial 24 has been reached.

Another embodiment uses a single actuating single use indicator 28. Oneuse of this design is to facilitate the administration of medicationsthrough the use of a sterile, single use disposable device 12.Containing the medication in this type of dispenser can also reduce thelikelihood of abuse and or cross contamination as additional measurescan be employed to prevent the contained medication from being dispensedwith the use of specific equipment. The use of an induction heat sourceis one example of a tamper resistant method of applying activation heatthrough an insulated device. Medications suitable for use in this typeof device are ones commonly administered via a pulmonary route, but mayalso include many others administered in other manners. This route isadvantageous in the rapid uptake by the patient. Pain medications forexample could be given within seconds without the need for the insertionof an IV. Other types of currently difficult, undeveloped and orimpossible to administer types or combinations of pharmaceuticals maylend well to this type of administration as the heat component may keepsome difficult compounds stable until they are rapidly absorbed. Anotheradvantage of this embodiment as well as the re-useable versions alsodescribed herein is the elimination of the environmentally harmful, andun-healthy synthetic fluorocarbon propellants currently utilized ininhaler type devices.

Another embodiment would have the disposable single use device 10incorporating a preloaded dose of medication inside a non-removable cap.This medication would then be released and or made available foradministration upon the heating of the device 10 until the indicator 28actuated. Some medications being of a sensitive and or fragile orreactive nature may require a hermetically sealed device, which could beactivated, by the actuation of the indicator 28, or the application ofthe heat with the indicator 28 signifying sufficient temperature ispresent to permit accurate and predictable dosing.

Another embodiment is a device 10 designed for insertion into an airfreshener type appliance. This usage would allow the user the option ofusing their own source of fragrance by inserting their choice ofmaterial 24 into the device 10 and placing the device 10 into theappliance for a controlled release into the environment where thefragrance is desired. This option gives the user the ability to enjoyfragranced spaces in their environment without the need to resort to thetraditional chemical methods utilized by fragrancing devices, sprays,and other synthetic means of changing the olfactory impact of a space.

Heat may also be applied via a variety of other devices specificallydesigned around these devices 10 as a means of quickly and accuratelyheating the device to operating temperature using any of the previouslydescribed heat sources and or methods.

When the material 24 has been extracted to the point where the desiredcompounds 19, 25 have been depleted from the material 24, the device 10is allowed to cool and the cap 15 can be removed from the body 11. Theextractor 29 can be used to facilitate the removal of any unvolatizedmaterial from within the chamber 14 to enable a fresh amount of material24 to be positioned within the chamber 14. Additionally, as opposed toutilizing the extractor 29, the tube 11 can simply be verticallypositioned and optionally tapped by or against an object (not shown) todislodge the material 24 from within the chamber 14.

In an alternative embodiment for the device 10, the body 11 can employas a heat source 200 a flameless catalytic hydrocarbon burner (notshown) into the cap 15, which would surround the cap 15 and increase therate of heat transfer and reducing warm up time. This burner could stillbe fueled externally by a heat source 200 such as a standard butanecigarette lighter as it can inject the fuel into the cap 15 and burnerassembly. When used as the heat source 200, the flameless burner couldbe ignited either electronically, by piezoelectric, or with the typicalflash from a standard butane lighter.

In still another alternative embodiment of the device 10, the diffuserdisc 26 can be positioned in the body 11 at a location that enables thetobacco containing portions of standard diameter cigarettes to beinserted into the chamber 14 as the material 24 to be volatized. Indoing so, the cap 15 is removed and the cigarette is inserted into thechamber 14 until contacting the disc 26. In this position, the filterportion of the cigarette would be disposed outside of the body 11 andcould be removed in any suitable manner thereby allowing the cap 15 tobe positioned over the tube or body 11 to enable the device 10 to beutilized to volatize the target compound(s) 19, 25 within the tobaccoportion of the cigarette.

As an altered version of this embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 24, thecap 15 can be formed with the indicator 28, which can optionally bepresent, attached to the cover 22 of the cap 15. The cap 15 alsoincludes the heat tube 34 which is partially positioned along theexterior of the cap 15 and extends into the interior of the cap 15. Inthis position, the heat pipe 34 can contact the material 24 positionedwithin the chamber 14 such that a heat source 200 applied to the heatpipe 34 effectively heats the material 24 in the chamber 14.Additionally, in this embodiment (FIG. 26), the object containing thematerial to be at least partially volatized, which in previousembodiments is the body 11, can be other than the body 11, such as acigarette (not shown), which has a diameter similar to that of the body11 and can be inserted directly into the open end of the cap 15 with thetobacco portion of the cigarette contacting the portion of the heat pipe34 disposed within the cap 15. In this configuration, the heating of theheat pipe 34 effectively heats the tobacco in the cigarette, optionallywithout burning the tobacco similarly to the option in all of theembodiments of this disclosure, to release the desired components 19, 25from the tobacco, which functions as the material 24 in this embodiment.

In still another embodiment, the indicator 28 can be spaced from the end16, or placed in a location other than in the cap 15 such as internal tothe body 11, in place of the diffuser 26 or wherever the indicator couldperform its intended function properly when the cap 15 is positioned onthe tube 11, and a separate engaging structure on the cap 15 is used toproperly position the cap 15 on the tube 11. In this or any otherembodiment, the cap 15 and/or tube 11 can include a conical exterior end(not shown) built into the end of the cap 15 and/or tube 11 which couldhelp amplify the snap/click sound generated by the movement of theindicator 28.

Another embodiment may include the device 10 without an indicator 28,and a number of the other described heat transfer, heat exchange,extraction, or other construction methods.

Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated asbeing within the scope of the filed claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of volatizing a substance, the methodcomprising: providing a volatizer comprising: a body having a first endand a second end opposite and spaced from the first end, the first endcomprising an open end accessible to a volatization chamber configuredto retain a sample material therein containing target compounds forvolatization, the second end of the body comprising a suction tip; and acap formed of a hollow cylinder secured over the open end on the firstend of the body, the cap including a thermo-indicator within the hollowcylinder configured to provide an indication upon heating of the cap toor within a preselected temperature range of optimal volatilization andextraction conditions for the target compounds from the sample material,wherein the cap has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter ofthe body and a number of spacers positioned on an interior surface ofthe cap that extend radially inwardly from the cap between the cap andthe body to engage the body and define an airflow space between the capand the body; and applying an induction heat source to at least one ofthe body and the cap until the thermo-indicator provides an indicationof the preselected temperature range of optimal volatilization andextraction conditions for the target compounds from the sample material.22. The method of claim 21, further comprising applying suction to thesecond end of the body after applying the induction heat source to thecap.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: removing a depletedsample material from the body after applying the suction to the secondend of the body; and replacing with a second sample material within thebody.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein removing the depleted samplematerial comprises: removing the cap from the body to expose thedepleted sample material; and removing the depleted sample material fromthe volatization chamber.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein applyingthe suction to the body comprises: drawing air between the cap and thebody to preheat the air flow; drawing the preheated air flow through,around, or across the thermo-indicator into contact with the samplematerial; volatizing the target compounds of the sample material usingthe preheated air flow and conducted heat; and drawing the targetcompounds out of the sample material through the second end.
 26. Amethod of volatizing a substance, the method comprising: providing avolatizer comprising: a body having a first end and a second endopposite and spaced from the first end, the first end comprising an openend accessible to a volatization chamber configured to retain a samplematerial therein containing target compounds for volatization, thesecond end of the body comprising a suction tip; and a cap formed of ahollow cylinder secured over the open end of the body, the cap includinga thermo-indicator within the hollow cylinder configured to provide anindication upon heating of the cap to or within a preselectedtemperature range of optimal volatilization and extraction conditionsfor the target compounds from the sample material, wherein thethermo-indicator is positioned within and extends across an interior ofthe cap, wherein the cap further includes a texture at a location toengage the body upon insertion of the body into the cap, and wherein thethermo-indicator provides the indication upon heating to or within thepreselected temperature range by deforming the thermo-indicator, the capbeing constructed of a thermally conductive material; and applying aninduction heat source to at least one of the body and the cap until thethermo-indicator provides an indication of the preselected temperaturerange of optimal volatilization and extraction conditions for the targetcompounds from the sample material.
 27. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising applying suction to the second end of the body after applyingthe induction heat source to the cap.
 28. The method of claim 27,further comprising: removing a depleted sample material from the bodyafter applying the suction to the second end of the body; and replacingwith a second sample material within the body.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein removing the depleted sample material comprises: removingthe cap from the body to expose the depleted sample material; andremoving the depleted sample material from the volatization chamber. 30.The method of claim 27, wherein the applying the suction to the bodycomprises: drawing air between the cap and the body to preheat the airflow; drawing the preheated air flow through, around, or across thethermo-indicator into contact with the sample material; volatizing thetarget compounds of the sample material using the preheated air flow andconducted heat; and drawing the target compounds out of the samplematerial through the second end.